Floriexpo 26 final review

This show has really been growing over the last several years, which is a direct result of the new ownership. Bob Callahan and Lauren Saint Clair have done a great job, and I think vendors are pleased.

The show was bigger than last year and better attended as well.

Since this is the “BIG LITTLE” supermarket show the exhibitors tell me that they get more time with buyers at Floriexpo.

Like all shows, this one is a cat mouse game with the buyers. If the mice (buyers) show up the “cats” (exhibitors) are happy that there are mice in the building.

To attract the mice (buyers) to the show, the organizers do all they can to get them to their show so they can attract the cats. (forgive my diversion).

In this case the buyers were there, the booths were busy and my informal survey indicated that 99% of exhibitors were happy. This is a bouquet show and there were themes of all kinds. Animal bouquets, Nation specific bouquets and glass globes and everything in between.

There were five main events at Floriexpo. The Bootcamp where attendees learn from speakers and interact with each other. Based on the standing room only attendance, I know the programs were good. I can gauge a good speaker from a less than exciting one by watching how many in the audience are on their phones. They were listening.

The second event is the Floral Exhibition on the show floor. All the big names were there to be seen. Sunshine Bouquet, The Elite Flower Co., Passion Flower, The Valley Springs, Continental Flowers and many more

The third event is the Flower naming ceremony. This is where an industry member gets a new flower named in their honor. This year an alstroemeria called “Firestorm” was named after Lisa Garafano-Letch from Shaw’s/Star Market.

The Fourth event is the ever-popular Iron Designer competition. Here six sponsored designers get 20 minutes to create an arrangement with a given theme to follow. Patience Pickner won with a lovely design. Sponsored by Friz Design.

Finally number five is the boat cruise down the intercostal riverway. 350 people packed themselves in a big party yacht and the boat was rocking.

Oh, and there was a VIP party sponsored by New Bloom Solutions where I was able to play a little music with entertainment.

Williee Armellini
Editor/ Owner; Flowersandcents.com
the original floral blog since 2001